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March - April 2016 Great Golf Magazine
Great Golf Europe's No.1 golf lifestyle magazine
March-April 2016 ÂŁ4. Free for members
www.greatgolfmagazine.co.uk
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Great Golf Europe's No.1 golf lifestyle magazine
March-April 2016
£4. Free for members www.greatgolfmagazine.co.uk
Great Golf Quivira Golf Club Mexico
Contents TRAVEL FEATURES
16 Wish you were here 24 Bring the kids 26 Top 5 must play South of England Courses
28 Quivira Golf Club - Mexican marvel 36 Tenerife – All at seas 50 Top 20 Romantic Golf Resorts 62 Jekyll Island, Georgia – Southern comfort PRODUCTS
22 Book review 68 DST Compressor LUXURY
44 Richard Mille – Tee time with “The Mille” 56 Audi – All weather track PROPERTY
72 Barbados – Live the dream SPA
78 Rancho la Puerta – The friendliest spa in the world WINE
86 Mouton Cadet – A passion for wine and golf 14 WIN 6
GREAT GOLF MAGAZINE
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H IM M E R L A N D GO L F & S PA R E S O R T 2 0 . -2 3 . A U GU S T 2 0 1 5
LUXURY GOLF AND LEISURE CARS The official golf car of the European Tour in Denmark For the second consecutive year we are proud of being the official golf car and main sponsor of the successful European Tour Event ‘Made in Denmark’ 2015. Our participation at this event is like being on home ground as Garia is a Danish
company and all our models are designed, developed and now manufactured in Denmark. If you are around Denmark in the period of 20.-23. Aug. you must stop by this event and meet us at our booth in the tent village or on the course.
looking for that extra something? Meet the sports car of the golf car. Inspired by the sense of freedom and joy you get from riding a sports car. Our Roadster is the closest you get to a golf car version of your favorite luxury sports car. It is the ideal car to bring with the yacht, use for local sightseeing or on the local golf course. To design your own Garia or book a test drive near you, visit the inspiring world of Garia at garia.com If you need our expertise please feel free to contact us +45 46 570 580 I sales@garia.com I garia.com
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Garia Roadster - with lithium batteries
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GREAT GOLF HOLIDAYS
y a id l o H e h t k o o b w o Read the article – N ing Portal: Golf Holiday Book ct re ays.net Di e Th – s ay www.greatgolfholid th wi ct Great Golf Holid re di ok bo , Golf Holiday Take control of your
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Abbey Park, St Andrews
Best Luxury Home 2015: Sumptuous five-bedroom townhouses in the home of golf.
We are delighted to offer prestigious five-bedroom townhouses in the historic town of St Andrews. Visit our showhome to view the style and sophistication of these spacious homes. Call 0845 890 9440, visit robertsonhomes.co.uk Abbey Walk, St Andrews KY16 9LB, open Thurs - Mon, 10:30 - 17:30 We’re also offering elegant homes in Newton Mearns, Elgin, Chatelherault, Inverness, Auchterarder and, coming soon, Bothwell and Strathaven.
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Great GolfMagazine 30 Eridge Road Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8HR United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1892 544 872 www.greatgolfmagazine.co.uk
GOLF TRAVEL
MANAGING DIRECTOR
YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE...
Mike Kaas-Stock mike@greatgolfmagazine.co.uk CHAIRMAN
Colin Morrison EDITOR
elcome from us at Great Golf Magazine, the only UK Golf Travel & Lifestyle publication. Give us warmth we hear you cry, well, that’s what we do in this latest edition. Anything we can to help you plan your next Great Golf/Spa Escape. But we do also want to give you some alternative options closer to home, and so have included our Top 5 South of England Courses. Agree or disagree, they are all worth a visit. From sailing the waters off the Canaries, to playing a round of golf on the Baja peninsula in Mexico and trying not to be put off your shot by the sight of humpback whales. Our journalists have been out there forging a path so others may follow. All this and more, including a test drive in the amazing new Audi Allroad Quattro. Our definitive “Top 20 Golf Resorts” section makes an entrance in these pages, with our first offering, the definitive “Top 20 Romantic Golf Resorts”. Now there are no excuses, you will know where to take that special person while still getting your golf fix. This is the first of our Top 20 lists that will appear throughout the year and culminate in the definitive 100 Greatest Golf Resorts 2016 which will be the sixth and final edition for this year. With two extra issues per year now, there really is no reason not to have all the information at your fingertips. As well as hardcopy, all articles also appear online via website, online publication and through partners. Please also visit Great Golf Holidays and Great Golf ProShop websites, all accessible from each other and from the main Great Golf Media website www.greatgolfmedia.com
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GREAT GOLF MEDIA – IT JUST MAKES SENSE!.
Nils Bjornes nils@greatgolfmagazine.co.uk ASSISTANT EDITOR
Camilla Kaas-Stock camilla@greatgolfmagazine.co.uk ART DIRECTOR
Ketil Plassgaard ketil@greatgolfmagazine.co.uk ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Karim Ullah karim@greatgolfmagazine.co.uk CONSULTANT EDITOR
Peter Ellegard peter@greatgolfmagazine.co.uk LUXURY PRODUCTS
Angus Davies angus@escapement.uk.com SUB EDITORS
Sophie Morrison Louise Candy CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE
Angus Davies Dena Roché Robert Kaufman Mark Alexander Rob Hodgettes April Todd Camilla Kaas-Stock Mike Kaas-Stock Published by IPB Publishing Ltd Company No 6484115 Printed by The Magazine Printing Company www.magprint.co.uk For advertising enquiries please contact karim@greatgolfmagazine.co.uk All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior written consent of Great Golf Magazine UK
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BC_Moroc GolfMonth 03-14_Layout 1 03/03/2014 10:57 Page 1
Marrakech Luxury Golf in Morocco at the Royal Palm Marrakech
Set on an exclusive estate just ten minutes from the centre of the city, Royal Palm Marrakech is the perfect haven from which to make the most of this amazing destination. Comfort and relaxation are built into the DNA of this exquisite hotel. Luxury furnishings abound and every suite has its own spacious
terrace or balcony with views towards the Atlas Mountains. There are also 12 superb Family Villas which come with their own pools. Delicious cuisine is served in four separate restaurants, there’s a Clarins Spa, tennis courts, squash court and complimentary children’s club for 3 to12 year olds.
For golfers the superb onsite Royal Palm Golf Course is an added treat with special privileges for hotel guests. The Par 72 Golf course is a great challenge for all levels of golfer and the views up towards the Atlas Mountains and extensive practice facilities complete the excellent golf experience.
For more information or to book a holiday to Royal Palm Marrakech call Beachcomber on 01483 445 618 Mauritius • Seychelles • Marrakech • Dubai • Abu Dhabi
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LUXURY TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE
No.2. 2015 Great Golf Magazine
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LUXURY TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE
Great Golf Europe's No.1 golf lifestyle magazine
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March-April 2016
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HAWAII
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PALAIS AZIZA & SPA
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COMPETITION
WIN
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NYNY. Sailing and golf.qxp_Layout 1 19.02.2016 12.06 Side 1
Jean de la Lune Tall Ship hosts Tenerife & La Gomera Golf Experience Holiday
Jump the queues and receive VIP treatment at two of the best golf courses on two Atlantic Islands. Play golf in two of the most scenic locations during one sailing.
A special day of golf in Tenerife followed by a relaxing trip on the Tall Ship Jean de la Lune. Sit back and relax while enjoying single malts directly from our collection while we take you to your next golf destination.
Guaranteed golf day passes included! No sailing experience necessary. Single supplement available.Â
www.sailjdl.co.uk Tel. 0208 1441253 or 0787 6444077 Operated by EIP Travel Ltd. www.eiptravel.co.uk company registered in UK and Ireland. Dates available from November 2016 to April 2017
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GREAT COURSES
Wish you were here...
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NATADOLA BAY GOLF COURSE Fiji www.natadolabay.com
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GREAT COURSES
Wish you were here...
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PUNTACANA RESORT Dominican Republic http://puntacana.com/
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GREAT COURSES
Wish you were here...
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TURTLE HILL GOLF CLUB Bermuda www.fairmont.com/southampton-bermuda/golf
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BOOK REVIEW
Available to buy at gretgolfproshop.com
ver wanted to know the history behind some of the most famous holes in golf? Well, here’s your chance to become a fountain of knowledge and impress your friends. The History of Golf in Fifty Holes will guide you on an epic journey through the conception and reasoning behind some of the most famous, and sometimes infamous, tests to a golfer’s skill. From the very first courses to be created on the sandy soil of the Scottish coastline, to the finely sculptured modern designs that you now find around the globe, all are in some way related. The likes of the 17th at Prestwick or the 15th at Augusta are naturally included along with lesser known tests of mettle. After engrossing yourself in the pages of this book, you will know when each was created and why, along with the most memorable events that have either happened at each one, or are in some way connected to it. After more than 600 years of golf, there really is no way any book can cover everything related to the subject, but what this tome does do is provide in a manageable and interesting way some of the important innovations and moments that have shaped the game into what it has become today.
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nyone who plays golf will know all too well the opportunities that the game presents for creating unusual situations, from the bizarre to the downright ludicrous. For example, a friend of mine recently experienced an electric golf trolley meltdown that resulted in it (complete with bag and clubs) trundling off on its own accord into a nearby pond. The poor man was desperately trying to reach it before it entered the water and sank -- all to no avail. Another unfortunate friend, while playing a round, was bitten by an angry squirrel who obviously took offence to his presence (or form). Golf Stole My Brain is a tongue-in-cheek look at the funnier side of the sport, which is not a bad thing when you think how serious some of us get. The book is full humorous stories and amusing anecdotes to entertain you and your friends, such as the story of a golfer who, in 1934, sliced a ball on the eighteenth and accidentally hit and killed a cow in a nearby field. Or the man convicted of four counts of bank robbery who told the court that he needed the money to play golf. Could this book improve your game? Well, we all secretly like to hear about other people’s faux pas, and possibly this could lead to a more relaxed attitude on the course and thereby improve your form. After all, when you know that someone has downed a cow with a drive or wrestled an alligator in a bunker, what could you possibly do to top that?
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FAMILY FRIENDLY
g n i BthreKids MAZAGAN BEACH RESORT MOROCCO Set in a truly stunning coastal location and with a fantastic golf course, this is a resort that's perfect for a family holiday. Mazagan is located roughly 45 minutes south of Casablanca near the ancient fortified city and UNESCO site of El Jadida. The resort has 500 rooms and suites that are spread around the enormous swimming pool and gardens. All rooms are spacious with en-suite bathrooms and views of either the pool area or the sea. Interconnecting rooms are available for families. ADULTS The golf course is sheer joy and has several holes following the Atlantic shoreline. Designed by Gary Player, this course is both hard and forgiving. With a Spa that offers multiple treatments and other activities that include horse riding and tennis, there should never be a dull moment. KIDS The facilities here are designed to appeal to families with plenty of activities on offer to children of all ages. The children's clubs cater for kids from 3 months to 18 years and are open from 9am until 6pm. Dedicated teams organise a daily activity programme tailored to each age group, leaving you to enjoy a round of golf or one of the many other activities on offer.
CHATEAU D’ AUGERVILLE Located about 45 minutes’ drive south of Paris, the authentic Chateau d’ Augerville Golf & Spa offers peace, tranquillity, fine dining, luxury accommodation, and above all, golf. ADULTS The combination of the newly opened Spa, covering 700 m2 over two floors, and a beautiful 18 hole parkland golf course, along with various other activities, will go a long way to keep most grown-ups happy. But there is also something very unique to the Chateau which will appeal to both young & old. Chateau d’ Augerville has its very own artisan chocolate factory and patisserie, where you get the chance to learn how to make chocolate by a master chocolatier. Also on offer are standard cookery lesson teaching the art of French Cuisine. KIDS Only 5 minutes away and set amidst a forest with strange rock formations, is Base de Loisirs de Buthiers. To be honest, there is something here for everybody. You can experience the high-wire tree-top adventure, ride ponies, play in the water park, ride bicycles, practice archery plus so much more.
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ENGLAND
TOP 5 MUST PLAY
Chart hills Golf Club
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The Manor House Castle Combe
The Addington Golf Club
Walton Heath Golf Club
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MEXICO
Troon North Golf Club
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Mexican marvel
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Clubhouse
W
View of the arches
Pool Bar and Grill
Cibola & Catering
Humpback Whale
ith a breaching humpback whale sprouting out of the Pacific Ocean and Instagram moments appearing from every angle of the panoramic stretch of coastline fronting the turquoise waters of Mexico’s stunning Baja Peninsula in Los Cabos, I was finding it hard to concentrate on making a putt. Thanks a lot, Jack! Yes, that’s ‘Golden Bear’ Jack. The nicknamed sportsman who segued from a career rewarding him as the greatest golfer of all time to one of the most prolific golf course designers, responsible for 380 courses in 36 countries. The same Jack who, admittedly, first visited the arid desert terrain of Los Cabos in the early sixties with a t-shirt, pair of sandals, swimsuit and £14. He stayed for a week and years later was jokingly told by friends that he was the guy who ‘ruined’ Cabo. 30
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This was in reference to Nicklaus’ introduction of golf in this region, with his creation of Pamela in 1992. He ignited the boom that has turned Los Cabos into a world-class golf destination over the last couple decades and, as such, resulted in a blanket of real estate developments, vacation homes, posh hotels and a boost in tourism. Well, be prepared to fling a bit more blame on the 76year old, 18-time major championship winner, due to his sixth and arguably best yet design in Los Cabos. Welcome to Quivira, 10 minutes from the town of Cabo San Lucas with its world-class marina and dining. SPECTACULAR TERRAIN. If any golfer ever needed justification
for a trip to Los Cabos, Quivira should prove to be the tipping point. It was for me. And those who set eyes on this prime oceanfront resort, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific
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Fachada Alberca
Mexican Theme Night
Family Room
Copala Casa Muestra
Pool and Beach
Executive Suite
With the Nicklaus brand linked to Quivira and the rejuvenated popularity of Los Cabos, this property has blossomed into a dream enterprise for developer Ernesto Coppel Kelly. It is part of 728-hectare gated community, with a collection of vacation ownership villas, condos and homes, along with the all-inclusive, adult-only Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort, overlooking a 4km long private beach.
Ocean, will immediately question how anyone, golfer or not, could possibly blame Jack for enhancing his Cabo portfolio after casting more bait to continue luring golfers. Of course, it didn’t hurt with Nicklaus’ penchant for deep-sea fishing and that the course is a mere chip shot away from one of the best fishing aquariums in the world. “We had to help the golf course emerge from the natural terrain we had to work with,” explains Nicklaus. “I thought it was a very challenging, yet spectacular, piece of property. Much of it is located on the side of a hill and although there were numerous opportunities to place golf holes, we had to find them. Even though we found them, they still required an awful lot of effort to make certain that they work and that they remain stable.” Ever since the man struck the inaugural tee shot to christen Quivira in December 2014, Nicklaus’ masterpiece has not only
proven to work but it sky-rocketed to the top of the charts when Golf Magazine selected Quivira as the Best New International Course of 2014 and voted Nicklaus as the Architect of the Year. “Quivira is loaded with really, really good golf holes unlike anything else in Cabo or many other places,” says Nicklaus. “I’ve never seen any place that has three holes hanging out over the ocean like this golf course does. They are unbelievable. This is a diverse golf course with inland settings; it’s got desert, it’s got ocean, it’s got rocks, it has a little bit of everything.” The final putt at the £28 million Quivira, with full views of the Pacific from all 18 holes, finishes where the first drive takes place, at the edge of the ocean. In between, you will be treated to an eye-popping rollercoaster round of golf. PLAYER-FRIENDLY. Preparing to smack my first drive of the day 31
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and embark on my joyride through the sand dunes and desert foothills that characterise the player-friendly Quivira layout, I caught sight of an apparently harmless, yet sinister-looking hawk. It was eyeballing me from its perch atop a 15-foot tall prickly Saguaro cactus. Not the least bit phased by the soaring flight of my golf ball off the tee, the feathered prey stayed its position while I continued on a quest to find my own comfort zone. The first fairway at the 355-metre, par-4, moves away from the ocean to lead golfers into a quartet of rather ordinary looking holes by Quivira’s standards. But then, hang onto your sombrero… After departing the fourth green, sit back and savour the 1km cart ride past arroyos and a cliff-hanging, switchback ascent up the mountain over a stone bridge to a one-of-a-kind, oceanfront par-4, situated 85 metres above sea level. Following a seemingly never-ending ride to the top and just 32
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before turning the corner to feast your eyes on a stunning vista, Quivira offers the first of three hosted comfort stations bearing no resemblance to any drive-thru Taco Bell I’ve ever encountered. With a quick recess between swings, golfers can indulge with beverages, snacks and hot food items ranging from hamburger sliders to quesadillas to the popular ‘Crunchy David’, which is prepared with three flour tortillas, Arrachera (flank steak), Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, lettuce, tomato, red onion, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and salt and pepper! JAW-DROPPING HOLE. If you don’t take much pause at the comfort
station, the next two holes will be cause to slow the pace. Whether judged controversial or gimmicky, it is undeniable that Nicklaus crafted one of the most jaw-dropping holes on the planet at the 283meter, par-4, fifth. And though you may record a visual memory to
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share the beauty, that will not even come close to personally experiencing the edge-of-the-world tee shot towards a slanted fairway as it tumbles downhill to a transition zone before dropping to a rockwalled, cliff-hanging green 106 feet below the tee box. Now indoctrinated into the heart of Quivira’s seduction, the adventure doesn’t let up. The subsequent 165-metre, one-shotter sixth is carved into the base of a massive dune and is perched on cliffs high above a secluded beach. From that point, the layout weaves through the desert soil and past another appetising comfort stop, adjacent to the ninth tee. Eventually, the route returns to the cliffs and the longest hole on the course – a colossal downhill, double-dogleg, 581-metre, par-5, playing into the same Pacific backdrop as was used for the filming of some scenes from the movie Troy. With the putter barely back in the bag, this cinematic location
treats golfers to a spine-tingling sequel at the par-3, 13th hole, which demands a do-or-die shot over an abyss to a challenging and miniscule shelf-like green atop a massive pinnacle of sculptured granite rising 46 metres from the beach. GONE WITH THE WIND. The remaining golf scenes occur away
from the ocean until the classic links-style closer brings you back to sea level by swinging your way down a gently undulating fairway. It is framed on the left by an arroyo and to the right by a grove of mesquite trees, low rolling dunes and a huge bunker. Depending what time of year Quivira is played, the inescapable winds will assuredly have an affect on the final card number. With five sets of tees ranging from 6,528 to 4,355 metres, it wasn’t designed to be a back-breaking test of golf but rather an experience catering to the worldwide 98-plus per cent of average 33
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players. Ultimately, the challenge lies with whoever is setting up the course any given day to make sure certain holes are lengthened or shortened in line with the winds. “This piece of land can be very hard with the wind and has the potential to just beat you up and we want to do whatever we can to help avoid any negative experience,” says Antonio Reyante Vega, who took over as Quivira’s director of Golf in April 2015. “With the right amount of course knowledge, it’s not tough once you know where the trouble is and on a windy day we always recommend for people to play the forward tees.” Fortunately, once your round at Quivira is completed and if you’ve managed to eliminate the machismo factor out of the tee selection equation, the only thing you’ll find blowing aside from a humpback spout will be your mind. It’s an experience that keeps beckoning return loops to gain more familiarity to learn how to best play each distinct hole. GATED COMMUNITY. As is the case with any freshly planted resort course, it ultimately becomes a target for a barrage of reviews. However, with the Nicklaus brand linked to Quivira and the rejuvenated popularity of Los Cabos, this property has blossomed into a dream enterprise for developer Ernesto Coppel Kelly. It is part of 728-hectare gated community, with a collection of vacation ownership villas, condos and homes, along with the all-inclusive, adult-only Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort, overlooking a 4km long private beach. And, only 12 years into this 25-year project, the modern-day Renaissance man is far from finished with plans for another golf course and multiple luxury hotels. 34
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Regardless of whether you’ve been visiting Cabo for many years or it’s a first trek, Quivira grabs you hook, line and sinker – and then you realise how you can never blame a guy for doing what he does best. GGM GOOD TO KNOW GETTING THERE Flights to San Jose del Cabo International Airport, plus a 40-minute ride to Quivira WHERE TO STAY • Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort (http://www.pueblobonito.com/resorts/pacifica) • Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort (http://www.pueblobonito.com/resorts/sunset-beach) • Pueblo Bonito Rosé Resort & Spa (http://www.pueblobonito.com/resorts/rose) • Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos Beach Resort (http://www.pueblobonito.com/resorts/los-cabos) GOLF • Quivira (http://www.pueblobonito.com/quivira-golf-club) WHERE TO DINE (http://www.pueblobonito.com/resorts/pacifica/dining) • Siempre • Escudos Asian Fusion • Aire Restaurant • Bocados • Steakhouse at Quivira Visit www.greatgolfholidays.net for Mexico holiday offers.
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he Deep, the Big Blue, the Drink… Whatever you want to call it – the ocean was, until recently, a vast expanse of water into which I occasionally dipped my toes while strolling along a beach. I viewed it from the comfort of my airplane seat as I flew high above it and occasionally submersed myself in it while watching David Attenborough’s wildlife programmes in HD. That all changed when I boarded the Jean de le Lune at Los Gigantes on the island of Tenerife. It was around 11pm when the dingy picked me up from the quiet marina. The night air was still and humid and, as we bounced over the gentle swell, the moon lit up the high cliffs of the island’s eastern flank. It took all my powers not to start humming the James Bond theme tune which played quietly in my head.
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My destination was a boat anchored in a small cove surrounded by rocky crags, with the lights from its masts illuminating the exotic scene. You see, Jean de le Lune is a wooden Brigantine – a square rigger with a total of nine sales; the type of which you would commonly see sailing the seven seas. Think Pirates of the Caribbean or Mutiny on the Bounty and you get the idea. With the moon’s silvery light casting a sullen glow over the impressive vessel, this had all the hallmarks of an adventure waiting to begin, and at first light the next morning it did. SETTING THE SCENE. The Jean de le Lune was built in 1957 in
Brittany and then rebuilt at Leith Docks in Edinburgh in 1998. It is every inch a sailing vessel with all the requisite foremasts, topsails and jibs. Ropes drop onto the deck from every angle and are tied up in neat, tidy knots. From there, you can’t help but look
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Jean de le Lune is a wooden Brigantine – a square rigger with a total of nine sales; the type of which you would commonly see sailing the seven seas. Think Pirates of the Caribbean or Mutiny on the Bounty and you get the idea. up at the rigging that reaches towards the crow’s nest and seemingly the sky beyond. Jean de le Lune is, after all, a tall ship and certainly not the kind of place you would expect to find a golf photographer and journalist. But this isn’t your average tall ship. “When you like sailing, you eventually realise it would be much better to own your own boat,” says Peter Interes, captain of Jean de le Lune. “So while looking for one, we saw the Jean de le Lune advertised in Edinburgh and we fell in love with it. They say the boat chooses you rather than the other way around.” Although Interes trained as a software engineer and has a couple of software companies to his name, his passion is sailing. It all started when a week’s sailing in Croatia turned into two, followed by an adventure on his first tall ship in 2003. He became a crew member, permanent crew and then a mate, and his fate was sealed. The rush of the square sales filling with wind had a beguiling
effect on him, so when it came to buying his first boat with his partner Joanna Whittaker, it would inevitably be a tall ship. A veteran of the numerous tall ship races, she developed her love of sailing back in her native Poland on the Masurian Lakes, which eventually led to tall ship racing where she met Peter. A fanciful dream was duly hatched and after a year of checks and double checks, they eventually bought the Jean de le Lune in March 2014. BACK TO BASICS. It would take another six months in a Polish
ship yard to seal and paint her hull and complete an extensive refurbishment programme. And now, as the cliffs of Tenerife gently bob away into the distance, the Jean de le Lune is once again riding the waves of the Atlantic Ocean with a crew of five and a group of passengers who, excluding myself, appear to know their reef knots from their bowlines. 39
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Darren Barker from Falmouth in Cornwall is typical. Hailing from a sea-faring family, his first experience of life on the ocean was on a Falmouth Oyster Catcher at a tender age of seven. For him, the opportunity to set sail in old-fashioned tall ship was an experience to be savoured. “We’re going back to traditional methods of sailing,” he says eagerly. “I’m a regular sailor but I’m not used to the set-up on this boat because it’s a square rigger. This is completely different. There are no modern electronics, no winches. Everything is done manually.” True enough, with the salt air whistling through your hair and the captain bellowing instructions to hoist the mainsail, there is an invigorating sense of achievement when the boat heels over and the speed gently picks up. Peter Henderson from Henley is all too familiar with that buzz after competing during Cowes Week regatta. 40
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“I’ve done everything from wind-surfing to racing large yachts, but never on a square rigger,” he admits. “It’s lovely to see some of the original ways of sailing and to go back to basics. If you have an enquiring mind, you can learn so much.” And there is a lot to learn, with each sail being controlled by multiple ropes on each side of the boat. Add in jibs, staysails and braces and you have a whole new vocabulary to learn, which can leave you feeling breathless. GOLFING AT THE MARINA. It is also easy to put education to one side and simply enjoy the spectacle of the open water as the crew take control. Voluntarily relieving yourself of duty meant those of us who had quickly reached the upper limits of our sailing knowledge could sit back and take in the views and spot the occasional passing dolphin or pod of whales. As the sun set over
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The course in question is Amarilla Golf, which is run by Eduardo Tavio and his brother José. It is one of nine courses on Tenerife and certainly one of the more interesting layouts on the island the volcanic silhouette of La Gomera, all seemed right in the world. Of course, the Jean de le Lune isn’t merely a historic vessel where sailors time travel to an era before winches. It is also run by a pair of entrepreneurial owners who have paired up the fun of the sea with the magnetic pull of golf on the Canary Islands. “Because we stay for the winter in San Miguel marina, we’ve got to know the guys who own both the marina and the golf course. We’ve become friends,” says Whittaker. “They are fully booked most of the time, but we can secure guaranteed tee times. From the marina you can see the golf course as the course comes all the way down to it. There is no barrier in between the two, which makes it pretty unique.” The course in question is Amarilla Golf, which is run by Eduardo Tavio and his brother José. It is one of nine courses on Tenerife and certainly one of the more interesting layouts on the island. The
current routing provides ocean views and a number of greens perched high above the sea. The 11th, 12th and 13th in particular make the most of their prominent position overlooking the marina, and perhaps most impressive of all, the Donald Steel design omits any repetition so that each golf hole offers something new. VOLVO TENERIFE OPEN. The course was developed by the
brothers’ father who bought the land in 1985 and was persuaded by Steel to give the course priority over any property considerations. The advice was good and the course opened three years later with the venue hosting the Volvo Tenerife Open in 1990. Since then, the family has introduced a rolling maintenance programme that has seen the 21-hole venue close three holes at a time to complete renovation work around the greens and upgrade the irrigation system. 41
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Jean de le Lune; a grand old ship that attracts attention wherever she goes. For me, she has opened my mind to a new way of travelling where history is brought to life in front of my eyes.
If the clubhouse bar is any measure of success, the improvements at Amarilla Golf have been a resounding hit. Lunchtime around the revamped veranda is buzzing, while the nearby first tee provides a constant stream of four-balls and holiday golf outings. It is a busy but extremely enjoyable club that perfectly marries golf with sailing. There is certainly something to be said for teeing it up while casting your eye over all the glamour of a busy marina. “We are trying to link the golf with the marina so you can book a tee time at the marina,” Tavio explains. “We have many customers who play the course and stay on their boats. Every year we’re getting more and more.” At the heart of the marina is the Jean de le Lune; a grand old ship that attracts attention wherever she goes. Her tall masts tower over the sleek, white yachts that appear clinical by comparison. Children stop to gape and experienced sailors crane their necks to get a closer look at the ropes that make it all happen. For me, she has opened my mind to a new way of travelling where history is brought to life in front of my eyes. Add to that the glorious Canary weather and a plethora of golf courses to choose from and you have a golfing experience that is as much about booms and jibs as it is about birdies and pars. GGM 42
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GOOD TO KNOW The Canary Islands is a volcanic archipelago off the coast of northwestern Africa. The group is among Spain’s farthest-flung territories, with Tenerife being the largest island. The landscape is dominated by impressive volcanoes and sandy coves while the climate provides near-perfect yearround temperatures. All seven Canary Islands have airports. For more information visit www.hellocanaryislands.com WHERE TO SAIL: Jean de le Lune EIP Sailing Ltd T: 0208 144 1253 W: www.sailjdl.co.uk WHERE TO PLAY: Amarilla Golf & Country Club Urbanización Amarilla Golf, 38639, España T: +34 922 730319 W: Amarilla Golf, Campo de Golf en el sur de Tenerife For more information about golf in the Canaries visit www.federacioncanariagolf.com/
So close to the south…
…with the Alpe-Adria Golf Card. Golfing south of the Alps, surrounded by spectacular scenery, has many attractions. Including the tantalising taste of three different countries. 12 months a year. You can pop across borders and play over 20 golf courses in Carinthia, Slovenia and Friuli Venezia Giulia. With one single card. The Alpe-Adria Golf Card – available exclusively from your golf hotel or the participating golf courses. Your spring bonus: from the start of the season until 30 April the Alpe-Adria Golf Card is even worth twice as much – your partner plays free of charge.* www.golflust.at www.alpe-adria-golf.com *from the start of the club’s season up to and including 30 April 2016 on all participating golf courses, excluding KGC Dellach, Lignano, Diners Ljubljana and Bled. All rights reserved. Subject to change.
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GREAT WATCHES & GOLF
the Mille
By April Tod and Angus Davies photos Richard Mille
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GREAT WATCHES
tar athletes from the world of sport are increasingly wearing elaborate watches as part of lucrative deals and contracts, and golf is no exception. While Richard Mille is often associated with the highly masculine worlds of Massa, Watson and Nadal, ladies are definitely not overlooked. Indeed, the likes of Diana Luna and Cristie Kerr are now ‘brand ambassadors’ and they elegantly sport Richard Mille timepieces. I was lucky enough to get the chance to see these women in action during the recent Lacoste Ladies Open de France, where they both were competing. I had flown out to Biarritz – not just to follow the golf, but also to find out more about the exclusive and fascinating world of Richard Mille, who was a joint sponsor of the tournament.
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GOLF DE CHANTACO. France is blessed with over 500 golf courses and is particularly popular with British golfers who enjoy nothing more than a quick trip across the channel for a weekend of golf and gourmet. However, the southwest region, being further away, is less familiar. In spite of its predominantly mountainous area (the Pyrenees are in stomping distance of Biarritz), this part of France offers several delightful golf courses. Golf de Chantaco, owned by the Lacoste family, is the location for the 2015 Lacoste Ladies Open de France. This par-70 course is short by modern standards but quite technical, and as the owner Simone Lacoste, says, “It is a perfect fit for modern women’s golf.” The course covers over 5,833 metres and has two different faces; a front nine laid on quite flat land with several water hazards to deal with, and a slightly hilly back nine set amidst a variety of trees, where hitting the ball long and straight plays a key factor. Recent improvements and refurbishments have helped recreate the course’s original look and spirit, reflecting the intentions of its British architect and designer Henry Colt. Over the past 80 or more years the course has welcomed the elite of 1930’s society, illustrious sportsmen and women, and some of the world’s greatest golfers. FRENCH CHARM. During the golf tournament, I stayed at the recently refurbished five-star Grand Hotel in the nearby seaside town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The hotel, which has become one of France’s most highly commended hotels, lived up to all my expectations and my room on the first floor had to be seen to be believed. There was a luxurious bedroom with an enormous kingsize bed, as well as a stylish living room area, which had a large sofa, two armchairs and a large TV. Walking through the French windows I discovered a stone terrace, decorated in a curved 1930’s pattern, with stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. It was the perfect place to recharge my batteries before a long day on the course, following Luna and Kerr.
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THE TOURNAMENT. The next morning, after a hearty
breakfast, I finally got the chance to see the ladies in action, admiring their skills, as much as the elegant watches on their wrists. Kerr, who admitted afterwards that she felt “rather flat” after winning this year’s controversial Solheim Cup, managed to finish her round within sights of the leader board. Kerr came in a comfortable tenth, with an overall score of 275, while the event’s overall winner (with a total score of 269) was 32-year-old French player Celine Herbin. She lives just down the road in Santander and her caddie is none other than Vincente Ballesteros, the brother of the late Severiano. Luna was less lucky as she missed the cut, but she then spent the best part of half an hour chatting to a group of French journalists about her various roles as a Richard Mille ambassador and how she balances golf with bringing up two young children. 48
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Both Luna and Kerr sport a RM 007 Titanium on their wrists, now called the RM 07-01 Ladies. This watch is offered in an array of materials, including white ATZ ceramic, and when it was originally launched it was the brand’s first ladies’ timepiece. It was equipped with a new automatic movement, the in-house designed calibre CRMA2. Part of the allure of this watch is its open-worked dial, a speciality of Richard Mille, exposing many of the fascinating parts often hidden from view. Richard Mille has gone on to enlarge its portfolio of ladies’ watches, including complicated timepieces and gem-set models. However, congruent with the men’s watches, all ladies’ timepieces proffer craftsmanship, robustness, style and technical prowess in equal measure, making them the obvious choice for all sporting greats, male or female. Just like the game of golf, the appeal of these watches will last for GGM a very long time.
KEEPING TIME.
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GREAT GOLF TOP 20
TOP 20 ROMANTIC GOLF RESORTS Welcome to the first of our Great Golf Top 20 Categories. In each edition of the Magazine we will introduce a list of 20 Golf Resorts that are considered candidates for that particular field. As the year progresses we will be asking our readers to vote for the winner of each category as well as an overall winner. The sixth and final edition of 2016 is the “100 Greatest Golf Resorts” in which the winners of each category and also an overall winner will be announced. You can vote for each category as they are listed, or save all voting until the end of the year. Individuals who have voted in all 5 categories and also for an overall winner will be added to the “Win a Golfing Holiday” competition with the winner being announced in the 100 Greatest Golf Resorts edition in December. To vote go to www.greatgolfmagazine.co.uk To book a golf holiday to these and many other locations, go to www.greatgolfholidays.net
100 G R E AT E S T
Golf Resorts
2016 Great Golf MAGAZINE
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Chateau d’ Augerville France Located in Augerville-la-Riviére, about an hours’ drive south of Paris, Chateau d’Augerville offers peace and tranquillity, fine dining, luxury accommodation and an 18 hole parkland golf course. It also has its very own artisan chocolate factory and patisserie, where you can learn how to make chocolate by a master. • ACCOMMODATION – Traditional Chateau style rooms, all finished to a high standard and ranging from a singe up to the Grand Suite. • GOLF – 18 holes over a rolling landscape, framed by woodland. The Chateau makes the perfect backdrop when playing the 9th and the 18th hole. • SPA – Complete Spa and Wellness area over two floors. • FOOD – High quality traditional French cuisine. • CHOCOLATE - The Chateau’s artisan chocolatier Hervé Boudot will happily share some of his skills with you.
Rovos Rail South Africa Named after the visionary who founded it 30 years ago and who still greets passengers at its terminus in South Africa’s capital Pretoria, Rovos Rail is a cut above the rest. The company styles itself as the world’s most luxurious train and its Bentley-green carriages are emblazoned with the slogan, Pride of Africa. • ACCOMMODATION – Ranging from a standard Pullman suite up to the Royal Suites, all options are finished to a high standard and have én-suite bathrooms. • GOLF - Two dedicated, nine-day golf rail journeys that also cater for non-players. • FOOD - Meals are announced by a gong and diners get to sample traditional South African dishes.
Bovey Castle England Deep in the hills of Dartmoor National Park lies Bovey Castle, a remarkable hotel where you are treated like royalty in a most welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Here you can put your feet up and let the kids run wild, or test your metal on the superb golf course. • ACCOMMODATION – Whether you want a single room, a Grand State Apartment, or a self-catering lodge, everything has been tastefully furnished to compliment the castle and its surroundings. • GOLF – This course has been described as a golf experience never to be forgotten, offering plenty of challenges to professionals and amateurs alike. • SPA - The Elan Spa offers bespoke spa experiences using ESPA products that have been created to relax, revive and restore the body and spirit. • FOOD – With two restaurant offering traditional dining, or a brasserie, there is something here for everyonecb
Beachcomber Royal Palm Marrakech Morocco Royal Palm Marrakech features 134 exquisite suites and villas at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, only a few kilometres from the Red City. Manicured gardens dotted with ancient olive trees and, of course, a superb golf course, make this an excellent romantic location. • ACCOMMODATION – Whether you chose a Junior Suite, a Presidential Suite, or a Villa, everything is of the highest standard. • GOLF - One of the most spectacular golf courses in Marrakech, Royal Palm Golf Club offers a unique combination of luxury and sustainable development. • SPA – Royal Palm Spa, designed to resemble a Moroccan palace, uses Clarins as a partner. • FOOD - The resort has three restaurants, The Al Ain, which serves authentic Moroccan cuisine, Le Caravane, which is open for breakfast & dinner, and L’Olivier, which is open for lunch. 51
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Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa Fiji The multi award winning InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, located on Fiji’s main island Viti Levu, sits majestically on a white sandy beach between the South Pacific Ocean and the rolling hills of Natadola Bay. • ACCOMMODATION – The Resort offers 216 elegantly appointed rooms and 50 luxurious suites, each featuring generous outdoor living. • GOLF - The par 72 Natadola Bay championship golf course boasts up to 5 tee positions on each hole, providing an enjoyable challenge to players of all skills. • SPA – Here they combine Asian, Eastern and Western treatment methods to bring balance to mind, body and soul, as well as offering a traditional Fijian massage. • FOOD – There’s a choice of seven restaurants, serving anything from traditional Fijian cuisine, to Fine Dining.
Anassa South Cyprus Located where the Troodos Mountains reach the sea and close to the town of Polis, the Anassa is the perfect romantic hideaway. This beautiful hotel, which is surrounded by nature, is a world away from the bustle of Paphos. • ACCOMMODATION – With a combination of rooms, suites and Villas, there is something for everyone and all have views either out to the Mediterranean, or to the countryside. • GOLF – The stunning Minthis Hills Golf Course, set in the Troodos Mountains, is about 20 minutes away, while the remaining 3 course are located around Paphos. • SPA – Thalassotherapy draws on the restorative benefits of the maritime climate, seawater, and marine derivatives. • FOOD - There’s a choice of four restaurants, including the romantic candlelit cavern, Basiliko, which serves gourmet Asian cuisine with a hint of Mediterranean flavours.
Sheraton Salobre Golf Resort & Spa Gran Canaria Positioned in the hills, with views out to sea, this modern hotel simply seems to grow out of the rock. Here visitors can look forward to a totally relaxing experience in an environment of elegance and luxury. • ACCOMMODATION – All rooms are of a high standard, ranging from Deluxe all the way up to the Presidential Suite, which features a private roof top terrace. • GOLF – With two fantastic courses within the development and a further five only a short drive away, this is a perfect location for golf enthusiasts. • SPA - The Aloe Wellness spa offers a variety of facial and body therapies rounding off with a Wellness Circuit. • FOOD – With a choice of six restaurants, there are a wealth of options available. Bar Sunset, which is located on the 11th floor, is the perfect place to watch the sun go down while enjoying a cocktail.
Monnaber Nou Hotel Mallorca If you are looking for a rural idyll in the sun, then Monnaber Nou Eco Boutique Hotel in Mallorca, is perfect. A restored manor house, set in over 370 acres of unspoilt countryside and with several golf courses within easy reach, this is a must for a romantic golf escape. • ACCOMMODATION – From a standard room to a suite apartment, all rooms have an authentic Mallorca feel to them with views out over the rolling countryside. • GOLF – With 24 courses to hand, Mallorca has every right to call itself the “Golf Island” and just a short drive north of the hotel, lies Alcanada a stunning course that shouldn’t be missed. • SPA - Monnaber Nou’s Health and Fitness Spa contains and indoor and outdoor spa, baths, steam room, two saunas, a swimming pool and fitness room. • FOOD - The hotel’s restaurant, offers guests panoramic views from its terraces. The best of Majorcan and Mediterranean cuisine is prepared from fresh local produce and complemented by fine wine. • OTHER ACTIVITIES – Along with horse-riding, Windsurfing and Diving, guests can make use of the hotels bike station, whether you brought your own, or want to rent one.
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San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge South Tyrol San Lorenzo, with its panoramic views over the Pusteria Valley, is a sixteenth century, hunting lodge, which the owners, Stefano and Giorgia, have painstakingly restored. Giorgia, who is an accomplished and passionate chef, not only prepares all the food, but also offers visitors the opportunity to learn some of her wonderful recipes. • ACCOMMODATION -The lodge has four romantic bedrooms, each unique and designed with attention to every detail. Some have valley views, while others face the woods. • GOLF – The lodge has its very own unique golf course, endorsed by Jack Nicklaus, consisting of one green and six tees, each with three positions. You can also play at Pustertal Golf Club and Golf Club St Vigil Seis down in the valley. • SPA – The lodge has an outdoor whirlpool where you can relax with a glass of champagne. There is also a Finnish sauna and a Turkish bath, with massages also being available. • FOOD - At San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge, guests have the option of enjoying Giorgia’s delicious local specialities or being served by a prestigious chef. • OTHER ACTIVITIES – Apart from the obvious Alpine and cross country skiing option, there is paragliding, mountain biking and rafting to name just a few.
Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu Malaysia The Rasa Ria Resort is located on Pantai Dalit Beach and perched on a verdant hill, surrounded by 400 acres of tropical forest. With spectacular views to what our journalist described as miles of untouched sand, it is the perfect romantic retreat. • ACCOMMODATION – Guests can choose between the luxurious Ocean Wing and the elegant Garden Wing. • GOLF - The resort is home to the eco-friendly championship course, Dalit Bay, which follows the Tambalang and Mengkabong rivers. Golfers tee-off with the stunning backdrop of Mount Kinabalu. • SPA - The Spa features a selection of treatments that showcase the diverse Sabah Culture and use natural botanical and herbal products. • FOOD - Rasa Ria Resort, with a choice of nines restaurants, offers popular western cuisines, as well as exceptional choices of Malaysian and Asian dishes. • OTHER ACTIVITIES – Countless activities are on offer including water sports and even a Blowpipe Competiti
Ballyfin Ireland Staying at the 5 star Ballyfin is like staying in a private home. Here you can enjoy the atmosphere of an Irish period house with all the facilities of a five star resort. And with a stunning collection of period costumes on hand, you can be the star in your very own version of Pride and Prejudice. • ACCOMMODATION - The 1820s Georgian Manor House, which has been painstakingly restored with no expense spared, contains 20 luxurious rooms and suites. • GOLF - The Heritage Golf & Spa Resort in Killenard is a 25 minute drive from Ballyfin. The stunning course, designed by Seve Ballesteros and Jeff Howes, takes advantage of the gorgeous Slieve Bloom Mountains as a backdrop. • SPA - The spa treatment rooms provide an ideal place to unwind, restore and invigorate the body and mind. • FOOD – There is an excellent restaurant serving the best of Irish ingredients. • ACTIVITIES - There is a fully equipped gym, a heated indoor pool, as well as riding, fishing, archery and falconry.
Villa Manzu Costa Rica Within the lush grounds of the Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica, Villa Manzu is a completely private sanctuary. This eight-suite estate, sits on five acres and offers plenty of room to spread out. The grounds are dotted with hammocks, chairs and restful areas, perfect for taking in the 180-degree sea views. • ACCOMMODATION - All suites offer oversized televisions, a minibar with morning coffee service, walk-in closets and full bathroom suites. • GOLF - At the nearby Four Seasons Resort, you’ll find the area’s top course designed by Arnold Palmer. And Reserva Conchal, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr and Hacienda Pinilla, designed by Mike Young, is just a short drive away. • FACILITIES & SPA - Designed to provide guests with everything they want, there is a spa, two bars, a heated swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a home theatre with a movie library and a gym. • FOOD - the executive chef will hand craft every meal and is happy to create menus that will be unique and distinctive each night, specializing in organic, local gourmet cuisine. 53
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Grand Hotel Tremezzo Lake Como With over 100 years of history, the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo is located in the heart of Lake Como, with unparalleled views of Bellagio and the stunning Grigne Mountains. This unique landmark, which sits adjacent to Villa Carlotta’s famed gardens, is an authentic Art Nouveau palace that offers all the delights of a true 5-star vacation. • ACCOMMODATION - Each of the 80 rooms, four historical suites, and eight hyper-luxury rooftop suites, offers spectacular views. • GOLF - Seven of Italy's top 18-hole courses are close by. Just 5 km from the hotel is the Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club, one of the oldest and best regarded clubs in Europe. • SPA - T Spa at Grand Hotel Tremezzo offers treatments from one of the worlds most exclusive and distinguished beauty providers, ESPA. • FOOD – There are five restaurants and bars to choose between, but the most romantic setting you’ll find at La Terrazza Restaurant. Here the biggest name in modern Italian cuisine, together with the hotels expert chef, seduce you with their virtuoso menus.
Masseria Cimino Puglia, Italy If you are looking for a romantic setting, then The Masseria Cimino, an 18th century building now consigned to San Domenico Golf as its guest house, has all the rustic charm you could wish for. And with the golf course right on your doorstep, it is the perfect golf getaway. • ACCOMMODATION - The Masseria has 15 rooms, some are located in the ancient tower and others in the old farmhouse. The rooms have been furnished in a fresh Mediterranean style, overlooking the golf course and the Adriatic Sea. • GOLF - San Domenico is a classic links course, with the sea visible from all angles and the wind adding more challenges to your game. • FACILITIES - The restaurant serves regional dishes in an intimate romantic setting. There is also a bar and lounge, a swimming pool, as well as the possibility for boat and bicycle hire.
Mas Hotel Eden Roc Switzerland Located on the shore of Lake Maggiore, just a short walk from Ascona’s Piazza, this highly-celebrated five-star establishment, situated between the fragrant Garden of Eden and the gentle beating of the waves on Lake Maggiore, it is the perfect place for romance. • ACCOMMODATION - The hotel offers 3 grand suites, 34 suites and 42 deluxe double rooms, all with stunning views. While Eden Roc Marina is home to 16 elegant guestrooms and the modern Marina Restaurant. • GOLF - Choose from no fewer than 18 scenic courses, all within easy reach of the hotel. • SPA - The 2’000 m? Eden Roc Spa offers a combined in- and outdoor swimming pool, hydro-massage showers, saunas, a fitness centre and seven treatments rooms. • FOOD - There are four fantastic restaurants to choose between, as well as the Eden Bar.
Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort Mauritius The Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort, is a luxury 5-star hotel located on the Domaine de Bel Ombre on the island’s south coast .This exclusive resort offers the ultimate in refinement and boasts elegant colonial architecture, lush tropical gardens and direct beach access. • ACCOMMODATION - The luxury rooms and suites are set in twostorey villas overlooking the lagoon or river and offers 24-hour butler service. • GOLF - Attached to the Heritage Le Telfair Spa & Golf Resort is the picturesque 18-hole Heritage Golf Club. The golf course covers 100 hectares and is the masterpiece of architect Peter Matkovich. • ACTIVITIES & SPA – The resort is a natural playground for sports enthusiasts. Here you can enjoy everything from tennis and croquet to kitesurfing and water-skiing, or simply pamper yourself in the luxurious spa. • FOOD - The main restaurant is Annabella’s, serving an innovative brasserie menu, at Le Palmier you can enjoy lunch in relaxed surroundings, while Gin'ja, specialises in Asian cuisine. 54
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Reynolds Plantation Georgia, USA Just 75 miles from Atlanta, The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee, is one of the most stunning lake resorts in Georgia. Here you can play golf, spend a relaxing day fishing, boating, or getting pampered at the spa and finish off with a romantic dinner by the lake as stars fill the sky. • ACCOMMODATION - There are 251 well-appointed guest rooms and hotel suites, with views of the resort and Lake Oconee, or you can choose to stay in one the charming Lakeside Cottages. • GOLF – There are five golf courses on the resort, designed by the game’s best known architects, Rees Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio and Bob Cupp. • SPA - The luxurious, award-winning Spa is a haven of tranquillity and serenity featuring many southern inspired treatments. • FOOD – Choose between the classic Linger Longer Steakhouse, the casual fare at Gaby’s by the Lake, or the perfect blend of contemporary cuisine at Georgia’s Bistro.
Constance Lémuria Seychelles Constance Lémuria of Praslin, on the northwest coast of the island, is situated in an idyllic location, surrounded by luxuriant vegetation and washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. And with the hotel’s main building overlooking the beaches of Anse Kerlan, it couldn’t be more romantic. • ACCOMMODATION - The 105 Suites and Villas are spread over several levels with space, luxury and elegance. • GOLF - The 18 hole championship golf course, the only one in the Seychelles, makes full use of the dramatic scenery. • SPA - The spa, set among swaying palm trees, is a perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and detox. • FOOD - The hotel has three restaurants and four bars, so there are plenty of choices. • ACTIVITIES - As well as golf there are tennis courts, plenty of water sports, Mountain bikes hire, as well as an adventure Kids Club.
Gleneagles Scotland If you are looking for a romantic weekend away, then The Gleneagles Hotel is a perfect choice. Established in 1924, Gleneagles is one of the world’s grand resorts and is set amid gently rolling hills in the heart of Scotland. • ACCOMMODATION - There are 232 rooms in the hotel, including 26 sumptuous luxury suites and each room is individual in design and layout. • GOLF & ACTIVITIES – Gleneagles has three championship golf courses, which are among the best in the world, but they also offer shooting, fishing, falconry, off-road driving and horse riding, as well as swimming in The Club's two indoor pools. • SPA - For those who prefer to be pampered, The Spa at Gleneagles by ESPA, is a sparkling experience of treatments and healing waters. • FOOD – The bars and restaurants at Gleneagles are of the highest culinary standard, with Andrew Fairlie, having Scotland's only two Michelin stars.
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn California, USA Blessed by thermal mineral springs in Sonoma Valley, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is the ultimate Wine Country destination. An elegant oasis, where you can unwind in the luxurious 40,000 sq. ft. spa, sample world famous wines and play golf under the Californian sun. • ACCOMMODATION – There are 226 rooms, ranging from the Fairmont Heritage rooms to the signature suites. • GOLF – The 18-hole championship golf course is set on 177 acres of rolling terrain, with sweeping vistas of the Mayacamas Mountains and neighbouring vineyards. • SPA – With its ancient thermal mineral spring, revered by Native Americans for its healing power, the spa is the perfect place to rejuvenate. • FOOD – There are several restaurants to choose from, with Santé being the Inn's premier dining room, having earned a national reputation for its outstanding food. 55
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GREAT CARS
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The new Audi A6 Allroad Quattro 3.0 BiTDI 320PS
All WEATHER track Renowned for their reliability, practicality and smooth ride, Angus Davies (a selfconfessed Audi admirer) jumped at the chance to drive its latest A6 Allroad Quattro‌ by Angus Davies, www.escapementmagazine.com, photo Audi
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he weather is a fickle soul. I live in Lancashire where the sun often chooses to bashfully hide behind glum, grey-coloured skies. Flooding, snow and ice all cause problems on the roads and Britain’s challenging array of weather variables perfectly illustrates the raison d'être for owning a four-wheel drive car. One must be able to cope with an array of treacherous road conditions, irrespective of the prevailing weather. Winter months can prove especially onerous, with drifting snow decorating hilly A-roads. The ubiquitous SUV (sports utility vehicle) has been de rigueur on rural roads for decades, but is now a common sight on suburban roads and for good reason. The SUV grants the facility to go anywhere, within reason, in all weathers, carry a large brood of lively children and accommodate vast quantities of luggage. I still remain a huge fan of this genre of vehicle. However, there is a cost both in terms of capital outlay, on-going operating expense and, most pertinently in today’s green-conscious world, the environment.
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be the ideal vehicle for a middle-aged Lancastrian? I spent a week selflessly sampling each item declared on its lengthy specification for the delectation of GGM readers and was impressed by its breadth of talents. Allow me to elaborate further. I confess this is not the first time I have driven an Audi. I have owned many cars sporting the brand’s four-ring logo. In 1998, I fondly remember owning an Audi A6 2.4 SE Avant in blue and driving to Holland with my wife and our two-year-old daughter. The car was comfortable and in the three years I owned it from new, it covered 145,000 miles without any lapses in reliability. In many respects, I still consider this to be the best car I have ever owned, only visiting the garage for routine servicing. The 2015 Audi A6 Allroad represents a quantum leap in motoring terms when contrasted with my faithful 2.4SE of yesteryear. This state-of-the-art German autobahn express brims with high-tech gadgetry, is twice as powerful as my former love and sips fewer litres of fuel. However, despite the obvious advances with this new car, there is a welcome sense of familiarity and the same impression of quality I enjoyed in 1998.
A THIRD WAY. The Audi A6 Allroad appears to offer a third way.
It has the convenience of four-wheel drive, a roomy passenger cockpit and a generously sized luggage compartment. Could this 58
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FINE FEATURES. The base cost of my press car at the time of
writing was £51,145. However, there was nothing basic about the
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trim. The standard car is well appointed, but Audi had ticked the option list with wild abandon when specifying this particular car, indulging every whim with an array of features. The head-up display (HUD), Bang and Olufsen Advanced Sound System and advanced parking package were just a few of the highlights which, together with the ‘on the road costs’, increased the price to a hefty £82,650. I would struggle to be quite as profligate when choosing my own car’s specification, but the test car did provide an opportunity to accustom myself with the many creature comforts now available in the marketplace. COMFORTABLE RIDE. Comfort is a fitting term when discussing the A6 Allroad. My test car was equipped with upgraded comfort seats, including an optional massage function, together with the facility to chill or heat the front seats, as required. They proved incredibly commodious, perfectly accommodating my oversized physique, bestowing sublime levels of comfort whilst supporting the body when negotiating twisty country roads. Looking over my left shoulder, I was able to discern that rearseat passengers have not been overlooked and are also able to stretch out and luxuriate. The luggage compartment is generously
proportioned with a capacity of 565 litres, with the seats in place, and 1680 litres when the rear seats are folded. FLOATING ON AIR. One feature that provided high degree of
passenger comfort was the adaptive air suspension. Often a car that proffers a soothing ride does so at the expense of controlled handling and vice-versa. With the A6 Allroad the driver is able to select one of several modes to soften or stiffen the suspension settings and, in so doing, exhibit differing characteristics. The default mode is automatic, but choosing ‘dynamic’ stiffens the ride, providing taut handling when enthusiastically tackling twisty country roads. Conversely, the ‘comfort’ mode rewards the driver and passengers alike with limousine-levels of smoothness, proving ideal on long stretches of motorway. Whilst the car was in my possession I did not venture off-piste through fields or muddy off-road tracks. However, I did take my teenage son to his friend’s home, located down a country lane, punctuated with treacherous potholes. By raising the suspension with a mere twist of the Multi Media Interface Controller (MMI), a rotary knob mounted upon the central console, so that the ground clearance was dramatically increased. The car was cleverly raised car above any potential obstacles that may have otherwise 59
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scraped its underside. One aspect of the A6 Allroad’s specification surprised me. The vehicle was equipped with 20-inch x 8.5J 5-twin spoke design alloy wheels in matt titanium look, costing an additional £2,500. Whilst the wheels looked superb and filled the wheel arches magnificently, experience with other cars has always taught me to avoid fitting bigger wheels as the ride comfort invariably suffers. The revelation in this instance is that the ride remained incredibly smooth, vindicating the decision to go large. THE INGOLSTADT EXPRESS. Engine technology has come a long way since 1998 and my faithful blue A6 Avant. I decided to look up some of the figures relating to my 2.4 SE, with its petrol engine, equipped with automatic gearbox. The car produced 165bhp, had a top speed of 134mph, reached 60mph from rest in 10.6 seconds, consumed on average 26mpg and produced 257g/km of CO2. The 3.0 BiTDI 320PS is currently the most powerful variant of the A6 Allroad on offer and pairs a six-cylinder diesel engine with two turbochargers to deliver, as the nomenclature implies, 320PS, circa 315.6bhp. This is virtually twice the power of my 1998 car. The other headline figures are equally impressive. The car has a top speed which is governed to 155mph, it reaches 60mph from rest in 5.5 seconds, consumes 43.5mpg on the combined cycle and produces just 172g/km of CO2, courtesy of its EU6 compliant engine. The headline figures are impressive, but it is how this car covers
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miles with consummate ease that is truly remarkable. The A6 Allroad Quattro 3.0 BiTDI 320PS devours the road ahead with a voracious appetite. Most notably, the torque produced by the engine is colossal with 650nm available between 1400-2800rpm. This pulling power is particularly noticeable when accelerating between 30 and 70mph, providing a safe means of overtaking. SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW. My temporary stewardship of the A6 Allroad Quattro 3.0 BiTDI 320PS unfortunately came to an end. I use the word unfortunately as parting with this German autobahn express was tinged with a note of melancholy. This car reminded me why I have always had a penchant for Audi’s products. My A6 Avant of 1998 will remain a firm favourite of the Davies household. Its numerous qualities of comfort, spaciousness and reliability clearly have relevance today. However, this new derivative of the A6 Avant delivers more, much more in fact. Its performance is incredible, the load-carrying capacity is colossal and the creature comforts sate every requirement. The low-centre of gravity confers superb on-road handling and yet the adaptive air suspension allows the driver to venture off A roads with added confidence. The rationale for selecting an SUV, based on this experience, now has to be questioned. Perhaps the single most impressive aspect of the A6 Allroad is its all-round versatility; a trait most useful when one lives in Lancashire with its unpredictable weather. GGM
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Southern comfort By: Dena RochĂŠ, Photos by Jekyll Island Club and www.JandDImages.com
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n England we have Queen Victoria, King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I, but America’s historical ‘royalty’ were entrepreneurs like the Morgans, Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. And when it came to relaxation, all of these influential Yanks vacationed together on Jekyll Island, a small spit of land off the southern Georgia coast. It was said that when these families were together on the island, one-sixth of the world’s wealth was concentrated in eight miles. From the late 1800s to World War I, Jekyll Island – one of four of Georgia’s Golden Isles – was a by-invitation-only affair. The island was owned by 53 rich American families, who built lavish ‘cottages’ (read mansions) and The Jekyll Island Club Hotel to enjoy the bucolic Southern lifestyle.
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LOVELY LINKS. With the upper crust of society at play, it’s no
surprise that golf has been on the island since 1898, but it was
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The Great Dunes Course, the last course that Walter Travis designed, that brought great golf to the island. Travis loved links style courses for seaside locations, and while only nine holes remain today, it is an authentic example of his style. A tight course, it is built on grassy dunes with strategically placed hazards, traps and bunkers. Jekyll Island Club PGA pro Rob Ellis says he thinks it’s the hardest of the four courses on the island and advises golfers who dismiss a nine-hole as simply an executive course to give this one a whirl. And when the signature hole, number 5, a par-five 525yard adventure, is affectionately called the Mae West hole due to your second or third shot needing to thread the needle between two mounds, how could you resist? What makes Jekyll Island a draw for golfers is that the ninehole course and three 18-hold courses make it Georgia’s largest public golf resort. Add in natural beauty, an abundance of wildlife
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from deer to alligator, no houses lining any course, and a cost of just £38 to play a round and you have golf nirvana.
yard par-4. According to Bell, these are the two most challenging holes on any Golden Isle course.
PINE LAKES. The standout course on the island is the tree-lined Pine Lakes. Originally designed in 1968 by Dick Wilson and Joe Lee, and reconceived in 2002 by Clyde Johnston, it’s been called a near masterpiece. It winds through ocean forests and dunes that attract animals and migratory birds. The longest course at 6,750 yards, Johnston enhanced an already stellar course by adding new bunker and water hazards, redesigning the greens and improving drainage. The redesign saw the first installation of kids’ tee boxes in the country. You have to wait to the end to play the hardest holes on the course. Number 17 is a 202-yard par-3 that sounds easier than it is, and number 18 is the signature hole. It has water on the entire right side and wind to contend with as you try and land the 445-
OLEANDER. The prettiest course is Oleander, designed by Dick Wilson. This Par 72, 6524-yard course always plays long due to being at sea level and is a shot-makers dream. Located just 300 yards from the ocean, you can bet that you’ll have to contend with trade winds as you navigate tough par-4 and par-5 holes and several doglegs. The signature number 12 hole is the perfect example, with a dogleg to the right and a second shot involving a force carry over over water. The hole is very near the ocean and the winds often whip up, making this 437-yard par-4 a challenge. With a huge lake running through the middle of the course, from holes eight to 11, and ospreys, eagles, storks, deer and the occasional croc calling the place home, it is a natural paradise.
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Less experienced golfers enjoy the forgiving wide fairways of Indian Mound, a 6,408-yard course designed in 1968 by Joe Lee. It’s not very hard off the tee, but the elevated greens can be deceptive and provide a challenge. STUNNING SCENERY. Besides golfing, what makes Jekyll Island
a draw is its natural beauty, outdoor activities and slower pace than any other of Georgia’s Sea Islands. My favorite find on Jekyll Island is Driftwood Beach. Located in the north, the beach is littered with petrified trees giving it a surreal, otherworldly look and providing the opportunity to channel your inner Ansel Adams and take some stunning photos. Rent a bike from Kennedy Outfitters and cycle the 25 miles of bike paths that circle the island, at times affording you great ocean views. Or simply walk along the beach, but make sure to check the tide schedule – you won’t even have a beach to stroll along during high tide, as I learned one morning when Mother Nature foiled my seaside walk. If you’re here in spring or summer you’ll likely get a chance to see sea turtles along the beach as this is a big nesting ground for five of the seven species. Because the sea turtle is endangered or threatened, there is also a sea turtle sanctuary here that you can tour. HISTORICAL TOUR. With a fascinating history, you’d be remiss not to do the Jekyll Island Historical Tram Tour. The guide will regale you with stories of the rich founders of the island, taking you back to a time when people dressed in black tie for every dinner, and to a unique place where women played along with the men in their hunting, shooting and other physical pursuits. The tour also affords you the chance to visit some of the mansions – er I mean ‘cottages’ that the barons built here. The Who’s Who of American society stopped coming to Jekyll because of World War II and the supposed spotting of a U-boat off the coast. They realized that as a group they were quite a target and quickly decided that vacationing together was ill advised so they packed their bags and never came back. REVITALISATION. For years, Jekyll sat uninhabited, but in 1947
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park. In the 1960s it experienced a revival when people came for the laid-back pace during the day and a bar and a band on every block at night, but in the 1980s Jekyll once again turned sleepy. Now it’s waking up again. The word on the island now is revitalisation. I’m staying at the Westin Hotel built in 2015; it is the top luxury accommodation on Jekyll. The hotel is just steps away from the beach, with an interior design that is a modern version of beach chic. Common spaces feature neutrals, blues and artwork depicting the area. Grab a drink at Harry’s Bar (named for a Harry, a 90-year-old descendent from the original baron families, who still winters on the island), and drink in the stunning view. My dinner at The Reserve restaurant was my favorite meal of the trip. You’ll want to try southern staples like shrimp and grits and local fish like grouper. And for a taste of home, have afternoon tea at the historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel. If you’re lucky you’ll arrive at the same time the local croquet club, replete in their white outfits and hats, who will play a match on the lawn. Jekyll Island offers the opportunity to step into America’s past while enjoying golf and other outdoor pursuits in a laid-back, slow-down and smell-the-roses small town USA. GGM GOOD TO KNOW Fly: Both Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida are about an hour’s drive from Jekyll Island. Stay: Westin Jekyll Island http://www.westinjekyllisland.com Golf: Jekyll Island Golf Club http://www.jekyllisland.com/golf Attractions: Georgia Sea Turtle Sanctuary http://gstc.jekyllisland.com/ Kennedy Outfitters http://www.kennedyoutfitters.com/ Driftwood Beach http://www.goldenisles.com/listing/driftwood-beach Spa: Jekyll Island Club Spa & Salon http://www.jekyllclub.com/activities/spa-and-fitness/ Dining: THE RESERVE: http://www.thereservejekyllisland.com/ THE GRAND DINING ROOM: http://www.goldenisles.com/listing/grand-dining-room LATITUDE 31: http://www.goldenisles.com/listing/latitude-31-restaurant-rah-bar
It can be hard to focus on your swing and not the
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PRODUCT
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s ’ f l o G ew ret n n ec po s ea w The name Bertie Cordle might sound like a character from a Harry Potter novel but he might just be the JK Rowling of golf. By Rob Hodgetts, photo DST Golf
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here is a new way to improve your game that is causing quite a storm at tournament driving ranges – the DST Compressor training club. These magic wands may look incongruous, with a curved shaft forcing the hands well forward at address, but they could help to unlock the ball-striking riddle we’re all trying to solve. The man behind this innovative design is Bertie Cordle, and like Rowling, he began with a homespun idea and struggled to be noticed, but now his wizardry is in the hands of some of the world’s best players. And Cordle believes his creation could help some 60 million golfers worldwide. “I’m just a random punter with an idea,” he says. “It’s a learning process which can take as little as two or three minutes and a light bulb going off in someone’s head.”
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but wasn’t his passion. He took up golf again socially about five years ago but found himself getting frustrated that he wasn’t hitting as well as he used to. So he decided to do some research. “I read about the three players who I thought were the best ball strikers of all time; Moe Norman, Lee Trevino and Ben Hogan. I also read a book called The Golfing Machine by Homer Kelley, which used the most fantastic engineering descriptions using physics, pivots, leavers and masses and described the forces involved, but he was so complicated. “So I thought if I could build a golf club that would force people to feel what they’re trying to achieve – without reading 300 pages of fairly heavy physics – it would simplify the whole process,” says Cordle. CLEVER CLUB. In 2012, Cordle set about designing his own
A WEIGHTY CONCEPT. That idea – using his own Delayed Strike
Technology (DST) – is to train the optimal impact position by encouraging the weight onto the front foot and the hands, leading the clubhead through the ball. Get it wrong and the club will tell you, by producing hooks or shanks. But get it right, and ease one out of the sweet spot with a satisfying thunk, and it is like pushing open the door to a fantastic new world. ‘Ah, so this is what it feels like to be pro,’ you might think. “In golf, 99 per cent of players don’t control the clubface until after the ball has been struck and that is down to one thing – the club shaft overtaking an extension of their lead arm,” says Cordle. “The DST Compressor aids the realisation that you shouldn’t be returning the club to the same position as you do at address to hit the ball properly. “In other words, taking a divot after hitting the ball. If there is a secret in golf, that is it. It is as simple as that.” IN THE KITCHEN. Cordle’s tale took shape not in a coffee shop in
Edinburgh, as Rowling’s multi-zillion-pound dreamworld did, but on his kitchen table and at Rushmore Golf Club in Wiltshire. His background was as a player on the European Challenge Tour 20-odd years ago, but a serious illness put paid to his competitive career. The yacht brokerage business provided a lucrative alternative, 70
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clubs, but was initially stumped by how to make the pre-bent shafts. He ended up inventing the machine that curved golf shafts because most shaft manufacturers had very little interest in making curved shafts. It took a further eight months to develop the clubheads (with amended sole technology to ensure the correct alignment at address) and the ‘Hand Position Alignment Marker’ – a strip on the hosel to align with the groove and your nose. “In my playing career I didn’t use training aids, I thought they were the biggest waste of time,” he says. “But, I thought, I’m probably the best litmus paper test in the industry – if it works for me then the market is huge, pretty much every single player in the world; that’s 60 million people that would benefit from this.” Cordle says that the reason he is so confident is because “the optimal impact position is the same, whether you’re one of the world’s best like Henrik Stenson or a beginner”. EUREKA. But still, the theory was untested and Cordle faced an anxious wait until one foul Wiltshire day he received his first clubhead from the foundry he sourced to make them in China. “I glued it into the shaft and went up to Rushmore in the pouring rain. I was so excited and was just laughing and dancing on the driving range thinking, ‘Oh my God, it works’.”
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Cordle had a lot riding on this – he’d made a serious investment in developing the machine that makes the shafts and spent a huge amount of time refining the clubhead. “Quite a lot of the family questioned my sanity!” he says. He had also given up the opportunity to continue working on his other business – two-and-a-half years of earning potential – in order to pursue this project. So Cordle was extremely relieved when the ball flew straight with a good shot and went sideways with bad swing. “Not only does it help get the hands forward but if the club falls out of plane you can feel it twisting and tweaking in the grip, so it works on levels I didn’t really anticipate,” he says. Armed not just with a magic wand but a swing-plane divining rod to boot, Cordle now needed some validation. But he reckoned just pitching up with a curved shafted club at a tournament driving range wouldn’t cut it. THE PITCH. Instead, he approached top coach Pete Cowen during
the 2014 Volvo World Match Play at the London Club and explained the idea over a coffee. “He was very skeptical, as you would expect a Yorkshireman to be, so I just left the club with him,” says Cordle. “The next time I saw him was at Doral. He was walking up and down the driving range like a drill sergeant getting his stable of players to hit the club.” A visit to Butch Harmon’s academy in Las Vegas was met with similar indifference to begin with. “Butch wasn’t there but his number two said they had no interest in training clubs,” explains Cordle. “But the tumble-down effect of Cowen’s players using them came to the fore. Shortly after, Butch got back in touch and asked if I could send some over. He came up to me at the recent Tour Championship in Atlanta and said they were phenomenal.” According to Cordle, Justin Rose says the club is ‘magic’ and has asked for the shaft to be made a bit longer and the club regripped twice, while Stenson, Martin Kaymer and Dustin Johnson are also advocates. “We had 220 PGA and European Tour players using the clubs after nine months and we have had 25 winners this year,” he says.
“It has gone better than I expected in terms of tour usage. I thought all these guys swing the club perfectly well anyway, and that it would be more for mid-handicaps, but they love it because it confirms what they should be feeling.” Six-time European Tour winner Simon Dyson is another devotee. “If you want to improve your technique and strike the ball better, it’s the thing to have,” says Dyson. “It’s so easy to use. It makes sure you have your hands in the right place, and it builds consistency. I started using it in March. I use it every day.” THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT. Alongside the DST Compressor is Cordle’s CR10, which is a straight-shafted club with the same amended sole technology and Hand Position Alignment Marker. The R&A recently ruled the HPAM is a ‘conforming component’ and therefore legal on playing clubs. Suddenly, a whole new market beckons. “The next stage is the nuclear button,” says Cordle. He is now reviewing the strategic options with a view to licensing the technology to mainstream manufacturers. “I would be disappointed and upset for golfers around planet if I walked into a pro shop in five years’ time, or less, and did not find an original equipment manufacturer that didn’t have DST technology in their clubheads,” says Cordle. “They are all running out of ideas. The only thing that has not been done is making clubs that help customers swing better, which opens up a tremendous window of opportunity,” says Cordle. “The training club market is relatively small, about $80m worldwide, but the mainstream golf club market is about $5.5bn year.” Cordle says his goal is to help more golfers become better golfers and to “get the technology into the largest number of hands as soon as possible”. He adds: “So far, so good. Clearly there is a lot to think about and continue to work on. Apart from the blue-sky thinking, there are the constant challenges of running a young business. It’s a nerve-racking time, but it tremendously exciting.” Golf ’s had game-changers before but Cordle’s creation, like Rowling’s Harry Potter, could be set to explode. Golf ’s very own Philosopher’s Stone, but rather than offer eternal life, this invention seems capable of turning even the rustiest swings into gold! GGM 71
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BARBADOS GOLF PROPERTY
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arbados is all you expect a Caribbean island to be, warm, friendly people, sunshine, palm trees and a tranquil coastline with a myriad of fine, coral-grain beaches and crystal, azure waters. But if you explore a little further, you’ll also be delighted by the rolling, lush hills, flourishing botanical gardens, colonial plantation homes and varied cultural calendar in which jazz festivals and carnivals sit alongside sailing and cricket tournaments. It also boasts some fantastic golf courses, with Royal Westmoreland being one of the best, and if you’re looking to invest in your very own piece of a golfer’s paradise, then why look any further? AWARD WINNING. The Royal Apartments are a collection of 36
luxury residences designed in a colonial architectural style that features spacious balconies from which to enjoy sunset views and alfresco dining. 74
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Ranging in size from 830 sq ft for the one-bedroom to 2000 sq ft for the three-bedroom, the open-plan apartments are designed for easy, comfortable living. Finishes are of the highest standard, with natural stone floors, coral rendering and pickled pine ceilings. The kitchens feature Italian cabinetry, granite work tops and stainless steel GE appliances and the luxurious Kohler bathrooms have travertine tiling. Air conditioning is, of course, fitted throughout. Close to the apartments is a large communal swimming pool, children’s pool and pool bar. If you’re looking for something a bit more private, then the last available Royal Villa offers a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and living space, with a balcony on the upper floor to benefit from the cooling breezes and lovely views. Three en-suite bedrooms and a powder room are located on the lower level. Features include high-vaulted, pickled pine ceilings with fans, shell stone floors
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and coral stone finishes on the interior walls. The Royal Villas share a 60 ft communal infinity pool and separate children’s pool. Beautifully landscaped gardens and peaceful ornamental lakes surround the property, ensuring peace and privacy in equal measure. You can also get a villa built on numerous fairway lots on the estate, such as Jasmine Ridge, with prices starting at £637,000 ($1 million). FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP. If your budget is a smidgen smaller, but you still want to live the life of luxury you know you deserve, then fractional ownership might be the way to go. Because of the well-received launch of their scheme earlier this year, Royal Westmoreland has extended the programme to offer the five peakseason months (January, February, March, April and August) in two-week blocks of time. Previously, these were only available in four-week blocks of time. This means the fractional scheme offers
a lot of flexibility when choosing a time period. Two weeks' ownership out of season starts from £36,300 and two weeks in peak season starts from £117,000. You can choose from five beautiful, four-bedroom, detached, luxury villas, each with a large, private swimming pool and garden located just behind the 17th tee. Daily housekeeping, social club membership with preferred golf access, storage for your personal effects and rental golf buggies complete this exclusive option. Each residence is held freehold, deeded to a third party trust in the Isle of Man. Your share in ownership is fully transferable, sellable and willable as part of your estate through the transfer of the beneficial interest in the Trust. The ownership is sold for the time period chosen, meaning you literally own a share of the villa outright. COCKTAILS ON THE BEACH. As well as access to the Robert Trent
Jones, Jr.-designed championship golf course, owners enjoy all of 75
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the estate’s extensive leisure facilities, which include three 25metre leisure pools, a children’s pool, a fully-equipped gym, the Clubhouse restaurant and Bajan Rum Shack, floodlit garden tennis courts, the island’s only Elemis-endorsed spa and Mullins Private Beach Club on Mullins Bay – a magnificent stretch of secluded coast just a few minutes’ drive away from the estate. While relaxing on the beach, owners at Royal Westmoreland can enjoy the exclusive use of the Bell Captain service and, from the comfort of their sun beds, order cocktails and light snacks. When you get tired of working on your tan or working up a sweat on the golf course, there are so many other things to see and do in Barbados, you’ll never have time to be bored (as if…). You could do a bit of sailing, snorkelling or perhaps try your hand at surfing? If you are hungry and it happens to be Friday, then head to Oistins fish fry market, an informal celebration of all things from the sea. Here, dishes are cooked on the spot, whether you fancy swordfish, flying fish or lobster. 76
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Another must is Harrison’s Cave, a breathtakingly beautiful, crystallized limestone cavern where you can explore flowing streams, deep pools of crystal-clear water, towering columns and speleothems. And if you like rum, then head to St Nicholas Abbey, a fully restored, 17th-century sugar plantation house with an exceptional rum distillery. Here, some of the Caribbean’s best rums are produced and you can enjoy sampling the different blends whilst learning a thing or two about the distillation process. If this sounds like the kind of life you would like to live, whether it is for two weeks, or all year round, then why not go and let yourself be charmed by this captivatingly beautiful island? GGM
For more information 1 bedroom apartment 2 bedroom apartment 3 bedroom apartment
go to www.royalwestmoreland.com – 830 sq ft -- US$395,000 approx. £251,000 – 1,450 sq ft – US$600,000 approx £381,000 – 2,000 sq ft – US$850,000 approx £540,000
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The Friendliest Spa in the World
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Remember the vibe from summer camp? Relieve the experience as an adult with pampering, fitness and spa thrown into the mix at Rancho la Puerta. At the end of the week you’ll leave relaxed, happy and with several fast friends you’ll be sad to leave. By: Dena Roché, photo Rancho La Puerta
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“T
ake my sweatshirt,” Faye offers, taking it off as I’m protesting that then she’d be the one cold without it. “No,” she says, “It’s fine.”It’s not often that you meet someone on holiday that will literally give you the shirt off their back, but it’s typical if you vacation at the fitness spa Rancho la Puerta in Baja California, Mexico. “The Ranch,” as devotees call it, is known as the world’s friendliest spa and it’s easy to see why during my week here. Named the top spa in the world last year by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure, Rancho la Puerta isn’t the most luxurious place for pampering in the spa world, but the positive energy buzzing through the 3,000 acre compound and the down-to-earth vibe more than make up for it. “I think of the Ranch as a person; it developed its own personality,” said Deborah Szekely, the 93-year-old who founded the Ranch 75 years ago with her husband. “This wasn’t a planned venture. The aura it has comes from thousands of happy guests. It happened on its own. Somehow we were just meant to be.” SUMMER CAMP. The camaraderie starts the minute the bus picks
you up at the San Diego airport to drive to Mexico. I think to myself, “I feel like I’m going to summer camp,” and that feeling 80
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is echoed throughout the week. Think summer camp meets Dirty Dancing meets spa and you have Rancho la Puerta. Many of the more than 150 guests become fast friends and you’ll never lack for a dining companion or someone to chuckle with during the legendary “Bingo with Barry,” a PG-13 version of the game. Twice daily, a bell rings to signal breakfast and lunch are ready. If this is camp, I may have been wrong to swear off it years ago. By no means am I roughing it at camp. I am in the Villa Sol section of the Ranch. I prefer this part of the property because it is very quiet. Other areas pick up road noises and dogs barking that would have made it hard for me to relax. I have a large studio villa complete with bedroom, living area, fireplace, and expansive patio with views of Mount Kuchumaa. There are no TVs (no problem) and no Wi-Fi (adjustment required) in the rooms. At night, I find myself curled up by the wood-burning fire, book in hand and some spa music setting the mood. COOKING SCHOOL. Days start early at the Ranch because the hiking program is one of the most popular activities and the latest start time is 7 am. Needless to say, I don’t make any official hikes, other than the organic breakfast walk that I was told was so iconic that I wouldn’t get my Rancho la Puerta merit badge without it. Despite the 6:10 am start time, the two-mile walk to the Ranch’s
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cooking school and organic gardens was worth it. Garden master Salvatore’s passion for the produce we were eating that morning was infectious as he showed off his six-acre garden. Healthy eating is a hallmark of the Ranch. Szekely has advocated organic plant-based diets for 75 years, and one of the goals of the Ranch is for people to start to understand the tainting that has happened to the food supply and to feel the difference that eating fresh, organic and seasonal produce has on how they feel while they’re here. Breakfast and lunch are buffet affairs, while dinner is a sit-down, multi-course feast. The menus are vegetarian, though there is a seafood option, and food allergies can be accommodated. Alcohol isn’t offered in the grand Spanish Colonial dining room (other than for the last night) but you can do as I did and make your way to the wine bar, Bazar del Sol, and try some surprisingly good Mexican wine. As a bonus, there is Wi-Fi here too. YOUR INNER CHILD. Fitness classes are another
main focus of the Ranch. Each day, upwards of 40 classes are offered in everything from the common body bar, core, Pilates and yoga classes to the more interesting Feldenkrais method, cardio drumming and hula-hoop. Just like camp, the idea is for you to connect with your inner child and see what speaks to you. Of course, this being a spa, there is also a strong focus on the mind and spirit. Since my physical fitness is pretty good and my stress response less than good, I try to attend the morning and afternoon meditations. I do find myself being able to channel my type-B self more during the week, owing to a combination of the meditation, overall environment and being free from the things that bother me at home. The week I’m there, life coach Emily Boorstein is giving a talk every day on “inner fitness”. I love the term. I’m a fitness freak and, 83
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like most people, neglect the internal work, preferring to focus on getting a six-pack. In the sessions, Boorstein shows how to create a better internal dialogue, become more powerful and take responsibility for yourself, your actions and your interactions. A strong speaker programme is another hallmark of the Ranch. Throughout the week there are topics ranging from astronomy to politics to sensuality and sexuality. I was surprised and happy to see a spa branch away from the standard programmes you’d expect. VARIOUS TREATMENTS. What you do expect at a spa are spa
services and there are plenty to choose from at the Ranch. Unlike some destination spas, there is no allotment included in your stay. When scheduling treatments, it’s best to do cleansing treatments at the start of your week, relaxing services mid-week and energising ones a day before heading home. Choose from offerings like the rosemary loofah salt glow, the four-hands massage, the Japanese restorative facial or energy work. I did the obligatory standard massage, but it was the more specialised work that stood out. The week I was there, Pete, a visiting specialist who was the former dive master for Cirque du Soleil, was the Watsu therapist. The treatment was in the outdoor heated pool and, like my past experiences with Watsu, Pete guided me in a series of motions using the entire pool. Unlike in the past where I felt it was womb-like, this time it felt like flying. Pete also guided me underwater, which tends to make a person let go and relax even more. The other service I really enjoyed was craniosacral work. I was hoping this energy treatment could help balance my go-go-go personality. Clearly I was a challenging case as the therapist asked if he could work a few minutes longer because my adrenals wouldn’t stop racing. That can’t be good, right? 84
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THERAPEUTIC ART. They say art is therapeutic, so I take my racing adrenals over to the art studio to try one of the clay classes being offered. Full disclosure: I love painting, drawing and sculpting and I have the talent of a four-year-old so I was expecting the bust I sculpted to look more Picasso than Rodin. The instructor, Jose, broke down the process of creating a face into elements I could do: “Make a ball the size of an orange. Make a ball the size of a golf ball,” he instructed. From these basic shapes, he showed me how to sculpt a face and by the end of the class I was awestruck. I loved the sculpture I had created. Loved it so much that I elected to pay to have it bronzed. You can’t beat that kind of souvenir! Much too soon it was time to leave the Ranch and I felt like a kid heading home from summer camp, sad to say goodbye to the new friends I had met. During my week, I had met a group of about of 50 women who had all met at the Ranch and now come back the same time every year together. After a week here, I can see how that could happen, and I’d be happy to return annually for a Ranch reunion with the friends I’ve made this year. GGM
GOOD TO KNOW: GETTING HERE: Fly from the UK to San Diego, California. From there you will be transported by bus to the Ranch. WHAT TO PACK: Fitness gear and casual clothing. There are complimentary laundry facilities. If you’re going in winter, it will be chilly especially at night, pack a coat. MORE INFORMATION: Rancho La Puerta: http://www.rancholapuerta.com
TOURBILLON RM 38-01 G-SENSOR BUBBA WATSON Manual winding tourbillon movement Baseplate, bridges made in grade 5 titanium G-force indicator Free sprung balance with variable inertia Fast rotating barrel Barrel pawl with progressive recoil Winding barrel teeth and thirs-wheel pinion central involute profile Spline screws for bridges and case Balance: Glucydur, 2 arms, 4 setting screws, inertia moment 11.50mg.cm2, angle of lift53° Frequency: 21’600 vph (3Hz) Case in ceramic TZP-G for the bezel and caseback Anglage and polishing by hand Satin finished surfaces Limited edition of 50 pieces
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WINE
A PASSION FOR GOLF AND WINE
Photos Mark Aleksander and Mouton Cadet
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Managing director of Mouton Cadet, Hugues Lechanoine.
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“EVERYTHING COMES FROM THE GRAPES,” SAYS LECHANOINE, INTENTLY. “WE MUST REMAIN CONNECTED TO THE GRAPES. IT’S VERY IMPORTANT TO KEEP OUR FEET IN THE VINEYARD.”
Nicolas Rochon, Export Area Manager Europe,
f you enjoy the best life has to offer (and, let’s face it, who doesn’t?) sometimes simply sampling life’s luxuries isn’t enough. Occasionally, you have to go that extra mile and seek out the source of your pleasure. This is as true for culture as it is for sport, food or wine. Indulging yourself at the point of origin brings with it a deeper appreciation on a higher level. While some climb mountains to breathe this rarefied air, others seek gratification on the fairways of the world’s finest golf courses. Stepping onto the first tee at St Andrews, for example, with the iconic R&A clubhouse at your back can send some golfers into a spin. This is the birthplace of golf after all, where you experience the theatre and endeavour of sporting excellence first hand. It is a special place, and it is where I first met the smiling and enigmatic Hugues Lechanoine. As managing director of Mouton Cadet, the official wine supplier to The European Tour and the Open Championship, he had a busy schedule to keep at the Home of Golf. And yet we met
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for lunch, discussed the joys of the game and agreed on the intrinsic links between golf and wine. It was as much a meeting of minds as it was an opportunity to sample some fine vintages. CABERNET GRAPES. The next time we met was in a vineyard in Bordeaux in south-west France, a million miles away from St Andrews. It was the much-anticipated harvest (la vendange) which is the culmination of months of preparation and years of planning. Along with some of Mouton Cadet’s most important buyers, I had been handed the duty of snipping the cabernet grapes from their vines. To get there, we had travelled through scenery defined by fruit, where vineyards were as plentiful as ripped up scorecards and as fanciful as my recent Masters victory. We passed through small towns like Saint Gervais, where a straight gravel road dissecting rows of vines pointed us towards a grand château elevated above the small, rustic village. Indeed, around every corner there seemed to be an idyllic French country house surrounded by a sea of
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undulating vines. It became apparent that St Andrews is to golfers as this land of bounty is to reverent wine lovers. As my blades sliced through the vine, I realised this was the defining moment when the growing stopped and the wine making began. As I found out, each process was as intricate and enthralling as the next. “Everything comes from the grapes,” says Lechanoine, intently. “We must remain connected to the grapes. It’s very important to keep our feet in the vineyard.” And by Jove, he means it! During every harvest, each of the 300 employees at Mouton Cadet picks up a pair of hand shears and joins the 700 pickers in the vineyards to extract the grapes, regardless of pay level or prevailing weather. It is an obligation they take on with gusto. When it came to my turn, the sun kindly warmed the cool morning air to the point that sun cream was called for. Yet I still felt a sense of responsibility as I cut through a stock to release the first drop of grapes. After all, these dark spheres of surprising sweetness would eventually become one of the world’s most appreciated tipples, and I was at the start of that process.
A LOT AT STAKE. “The month, and especially the last week before the harvest, is key. It can really affect the grapes,” Lechanoine explains. “The harvest should be enjoyable but there is stress at the same time. It’s a mixed feeling.” There is a lot at stake - most important of all is the company’s well-earned reputation. Mouton Cadet was established 85 years ago as a sibling to Château Mouton Rothschild, Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s first-growth Bordeaux wine. The young pretender was an instant hit and promptly became a Bordeaux AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) wine. With its success, it became apparent that the family harvest wouldn’t be sufficient to satisfy demand so the finest grapes from surrounding estates were sought to supplement the crop. COOPERATION. The net has been gradually widened to include vineyards around Saint-Estèphe and Haut-Médoc, and now includes 450 partners with about 150 receiving three-year renewable contracts. It is a remarkable story based on
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unprecedented levels of co-operation. “We spend a lot of time in the vineyards,” says Lechanoine in his unmistakably French lilt. “We work hand-in-hand with the wine growers; some are selected, some are not. And sometimes we only take parcels of the vineyard, so it’s like a puzzle.” If the logistics of producing Mouton Cadet are perplexing, Lechanoine is quick to point out he has an elite squad of seven winemakers and a chief winemaker to crack the code. Their job is to build up a detailed understanding of the geography of their partners’ land and the wines they produce. They also supervise the wine-making process, visiting the vineyards around 1,500 times a year. Most importantly, the oenologists monitor the vines every two days from the end of August to track the fruit’s development and so determine the optimum harvest date. “We know in advance about 60% of the grapes that will be in the bottle, and then after that we have to adapt,” admits Lechanoine. Although the 45 year old joined Baron Philippe de Rothschild in 2001 and became its MD six years later, wine making is not his forte. Certainly, his understanding of what it takes to produce a bottle of Mouton Cadet is comprehensive, but he is at pains to point out that the blending process used to create the red, white and rose wines is very much left to the professionals. THE CHIEF DECIDE. “At the end of the day, it is the winemaker’s
decision, not mine,” he says, describing the blending process. “It is not the family’s decision or a computer’s decision. Of course we have all the technical skills and equipment, but in the end it is the chief winemaker and his team who decide.” The formula for combining the different wines sourced from Mouton Cadet’s 150 partners, all of whom have been diligently managed to ensure their fruit is picked at its best, is a well-guarded secret. But as I crouch down to snip another bunch of dark and precious grapes, I can’t help but feel I have temporarily become part of the all-consuming harvest. My narrow roller basket (designed to carry two baskets of grapes to protect the fruit from compaction) is filling up nicely. Soon its contents will begin their journey through Mouton Cadet’s winery where the wines are 90
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controlled, matured, blended, bottled, packaged and shipped. To give you an idea of the scale of this operation, 40 million bottles from this site were sold in 2014. Away from the flourishing business of wine, Lechanoine is an avid three-handicapper and it is not unknown for him to take to the fairways with his wealthy clients, business contacts and the occasional European Tour player. “I enjoy playing golf,” he says. “When you travel or work a lot, it’s good to focus on something else. It’s good for your equilibrium.” In a fragmented market, wine brands are constantly looking for ways to stand out. In response to this, Lechanoine developed the idea of linking Mouton Cadet with golf. “There are a lot of brands,” he says, sternly. “We needed to find a premium international occasion at which our wines could be tasted. Then one day it came to me; why not golf? It presented a good opportunity. We share the same values: humility, respect for nature, unique technical skills, individuality. There are so many things that we have in common.” SUPPLIER TO THE OPEN. In St Andrews, Lechanoine signed a
three-year agreement that made Mouton Cadet the official wine supplier to the Open Championship. Back in Bordeaux, he had just returned from Minnesota where Mouton Cadet had been unveiled as the official wine for the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club, adding to the contract for the 2018 Ryder Cup in France. Awash with similes and metaphors linking wine to golf, Lechanoine has a clear objective to marry the two in a partnership of shared respect and tradition. To kick-start the process though, he first had to pitch the idea to the then head of the Rothschild family, Baroness Philippine. “The first time I spoke to the Baroness about my idea she admitted she didn’t play golf, but she would like to,” he says, chuckling to himself. “She was relying on me.” Since that tentative approval, Lechanoine has secured some of the most lucrative deals in golf, positioning Mouton Cadet wine at key tournaments and events. If anyone deserves a celebratory drink, it’s him. GGM
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Spain - Cadiz
SHERRY GOLF JEREZ esigned by Stirling & Martin from Global Golf Company, Sherry Golf appears like an accessible course for amateurs and challenging for professionals. Proof of this are the many important tournaments we have had the honour to host, like the Spanish Open Amateur Championship, two years in a row, and the Seniors International Championship. We are also the official venue of the 2nd Stage of the PGA Qualifying School. The layout is characterized as being one of the most pleasant walkthroughs in Spain: - 18 holes Championship course: 6572 meters, Par 72 - Pitch & Putt course: 911 meters, Par 3 Sherry Golf is within the new concepts of American golf course design: fun but safe in the game with undulations and well placed hazards, without making it too hilly, in order to ensure a pleasant
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walkthrough. Wide fairways and ample greens, puts Sherry Golf into the category of a luxury course. The Clubhouse counts more than 2,800 sq metres designed under the Sherry flair, with a warm, welcoming atmosphere just like the city of Jerez. Its facilities caters to every single aspect of the sport as well as tournaments, including pro-shop, club storage room, locker rooms, restaurant, terrace grill, cafeteria, spike bar, lounges, golf academy, and much more. The exceptional geographic location of Jerez and its surroundings make this area the perfect destination for the visitor. 3,200 hours of sun light per year, gives this area of the coast its name, Costa de la Luz (Coast of light). Sherry Golf is located only 5 minutes from the international airport of Jerez, 50 minutes from Seville airport and 1 hour from Malaga International, thanks to the new motorway from Jerez to Los Barrios.
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SHERRY GOLF JERE Z , 11407 Jerez de la Frontera, Cadiz Telephone +34 956 088 330. Fax +34 956 088 331 Email info@sherrygolf.com â&#x20AC;˘ www.sherrygolf.com
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READERS COMMENTS
Great Golf
Magazine
In the next issue – Clark Sunvalley Country Club, Philippines.
ITS OFFICIALLY 2016 AND GREAT GOLF HAVE MOVED TO SIX EDITIONS PER YEAR.
Nick Faldo enjoying Great Golf Magazine
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